Three Game Skids Routine for Pittsburgh

by Bo Marchionte
Published December 22, 2024, 11:37 AM

Examining Mike Tomlin’s Streak of Non-Losing Seasons Amid Mid-Season Struggles

Mike Tomlin’s tenure as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been defined by an extraordinary statistic: zero losing seasons in 18 years. It’s a feat that places him among the NFL’s coaching elite, showcasing his ability to adapt, maintain a competitive edge, and foster a winning culture. 

However, for all the praise surrounding Tomlin’s success, there’s an undeniable blemish in his tenure—consistent mid-season losing streaks, particularly since 2018, that raise questions about the team’s ability to weather adversity during critical stretches.

As the Steelers head into a Christmas Day matchup against the powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs, they find themselves at a crossroads. Currently mired in a two-game losing streak, the prospect of a third straight loss looms large, especially given the quality of their opponent. This would mark yet another season since 2018 where the Steelers endure at least one stretch of three or more consecutive defeats.

The trend began in earnest during the 2018 season. After a 7-2-1 start, Pittsburgh spiraled, losing three straight games and ultimately missing the playoffs. That pattern has persisted, with notable stretches including:

2019 – A three-game losing streak late in the season dashed playoff hopes despite a valiant effort from a team missing Ben Roethlisberger.

2020 – A shocking three-game skid after an 11-0 start exposed glaring weaknesses, leading to a quick playoff exit.

2021 – A mid-season slump saw Pittsburgh lose three in a row, leaving them clinging to playoff hopes by season’s end.

2022 – Though narrowly avoiding a three-game streak, inconsistency marred the year, forcing a late-season push to secure Tomlin’s streak of non-losing seasons.

2023 – Pittsburgh lost to both Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, who held the league’s worst records prior to their December win last season versus the Steelers. The Indianapolis Colts provided the third straight defeat.

With back-to-back losses to the Eagles and Ravens who combined to outscore the Steelers 61-30, Pittsburgh is in jeopardy of losing the AFC North crown. It would signal a lesser playoff seed and ultimately provide a tougher path towards postseason success.

Several factors contribute to these stretches of poor play, ranging from roster deficiencies to offensive struggles and tough scheduling. The Steelers’ offenses under Tomlin have often leaned conservative, relying on the defense to carry the load. When the defense falters—due to injuries or facing elite opponents—the team struggles to compensate offensively.

Despite these issues, Tomlin remains a revered figure in Pittsburgh. His leadership, motivational skills, and ability to extract maximum effort from his players are unquestionable. Yet, his critics argue that these mid-season slumps point to a need for adjustments.

Tomlin’s ability to keep his teams from completely unraveling during these slumps is commendable, but the repeated nature of these streaks suggests a need for proactive measures rather than reactive ones.

For the Steelers to avoid a third straight loss, they’ll need to deliver a near-flawless performance. That means limiting turnovers, executing offensively, and finding ways to disrupt Mahomes’ rhythm.

A win against the Chiefs would not only halt the losing streak but also serve as a statement that the Steelers can compete with the NFL’s best. It would reaffirm Tomlin’s ability to rally his team during adversity and keep their playoff hopes alive in a competitive AFC.

Tomlin’s record of success and consistency is unparalleled, but the recurring mid-season losing streaks since 2018 reveal a vulnerability that Steelers fans and analysts can’t ignore. As the Steelers prepare for a daunting challenge on Christmas Day, they face a pivotal moment in their season.

 

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com

 

 

 

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